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The Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The two aspects of Jesus’ Kingdom:

Jesus reigns spiritually now in the hearts of all those who turn to Him in repentance and faith. Jesus will reign physically on earth WHEN He returns.

 

Local churches are to Jesus’ spiritual kingdom what embassies are to a host nation. Each local church advances Jesus’ spiritual kingdom NOW in the world, as its sister churches do around the world.

 

God’s Purpose is seen in verse 24 – a field full of flourishing wheat!

The world’s PROBLEM is seen in verse 25 – the enemy has come and sown tares among the wheat.

The word for tares is zizania, which refers to a “troublesome weed in the grain fields, RESEMBLING wheat.”

The tare has the appearance of wheat and grows exclusively in CULTIVATED fields.

 

Verse 38 makes clear that the field is the WORLD, not the church.

We know theologically from passages like Ephesians 2 that all true sons of the King BEGAN as sons of the wicked one.

The main reason we don’t need to be overzealous in trying to yank tares up is that CERTAIN judgment already awaits those who won’t repent.

2 Peter 3:1-13

In verses 41-43 we see the CONVERGENCE of Jesus spiritual kingdom and physical kingdom to come. Judgment will “weed out” those who practice lawlessness, and only the righteous will shine forth and “inherit the earth.”

Psalm 37:9-11

Applications from the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares:

First, when it boils down to it, there are only TWO kinds of people: saved and unsaved, wheat and tares. Those who don’t know Christ face eternity in Hell

 

Second, we don’t need to be OVERZEALOUS in trying to figure out who are truly saved and unsaved

 

Nevertheless, the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”           -2 Timothy 2:19

 

Third, Jesus’ words are a clarion call for religious LIBERTY in the world!

 

Baptists have always pointed to these scriptures and said we will never use the power of the state to COERCE anyone to believe. We seek only to persuade people to believe, we do not force people to believe under penalty of law.